FROST YIELDS RARE, FLAVORFUL ARTICHOKES

CASTROVILLE, Calif. – (Dec. 30, 2014) – As a result of the recent widespread frosts in California, highly flavorful artichokes known as Frost Kissed™ artichokes are now in stores for a short time.

“The impact of frost on artichokes is similar to how human skin reacts to sunburn,” said Joe Feldman, vice president of sales and marketing.  “Frost causes the outer layer of the artichokes to blister, eventually turns the outside layer of the artichoke brown, and then it flakes and peels.”

Once cooked, the brown outer layer is gone resulting in the dark green artichoke people are familiar with.

“Frosting is strictly a cosmetic condition,” Feldman said.  “While the brownish color may not look pretty, Frost Kissed™ artichokes actually taste wonderful.  The cold weather concentrates the natural artichoke flavors into a more intense, nutty flavor.”

Because Frost Kissed™ artichokes look different than green artichokes, Ocean Mist Farms is implementing an education program to teach shoppers about how good they taste.

The company has information on its website with pictures and recipes and is sending that information to all members of its Artichoke Club.

Ocean Mist is also sending display cards to the retail customers who are stocking Frost Kissed™ artichokes in their stores the next few weeks.

“A Frost Kissed™ artichoke is a very unique item that we don’t have every season,” Feldman said. “Because they are so seasonal, we have to teach shoppers to look for them and be sure to buy them during the short time they are in the stores.”

Artichokes become Frost Kissed™ when the temperature drops below 32 degrees.  Without further cold temperatures artichoke plants take two to four weeks to start producing frost free artichokes again depending on the severity of the cold and the continued duration.